TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Presidential Office (總統府) Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) announced on Thursday (Dec 26) that the office maintains respect for the judicial process and refrains from commenting on individual cases. She reiterated President Lai's commitment to fairness, urging all parties to uphold judicial procedures and expedite the truth's discovery.
In a significant legal development, the Taipei District Prosecutor's Office (台北地檢署) charged former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) and 10 others under the Anti-Corruption Act (貪污治罪條例) earlier that day. Accusations against them involve the Core Pacific City case and an alleged political donation. As the legal proceedings unfold, prosecutors have recommended a substantial sentence of 28 years and six months for Ko, with the presiding judge's selection taking place at 2 p.m. in the Taipei District Court (台北地方法院).
Later that evening, the court convened a hearing to decide whether to extend the detention of Ko and four other defendants. In response to public commentary, particularly from influencer Chen Chih-han (陳之漢), who expressed support for Ko, Kuo emphasized Taiwan's democratic values and the importance of rational discourse. She also highlighted that national security, especially the president's safety, remains a top priority and will be managed by the relevant authorities according to the law.
